Gimme gimme more (money)

Happy Friday, friends! I’ve done nothing all morning but watch videos on how to master the mini Etch A Sketch that I won at bingo last weekend. Yes, I said bingo, and no, it’s not just for your grandparents.

Today’s jam: May you head into this weekend with the confidence Britney Spears has when she starts this song with “It’s Britney b*itch.” Because it is Britney, b*tch.

—Rod

Asking for a Raise When You Have a Better Offer

 question 
I was offered an entry-level position (I'm not entry-level anymore) at a competitor for $20,000 more than what I am making in my current higher-level position, but I’m not willing to take a step down. How do I appropriately ask for a raise at my current job?—B.

 answer 
In my opinion, job titles are like having a closet full of Abercrombie in high school—not as important as we all think. I once took a lower-level position (with a higher paying salary) during a job change and it was fantastic…I was less stressed and I made more money.

So don’t rule anything out. Because $20,000 is a lotttt of money! And your current high-level job title on your résumé isn’t going anywhere if you want to hop a rung on the corporate ladder in the future.

But if you want to negotiate? You’re in a pretty good position to do it. Some things to consider when you ask your boss for more moolah:

• Bring up the offer: Let upper management know you’re considering a higher-paying offer, but you’d rather stay put (with a raise).This lets them know you’re 1) dedicated to the company but 2) open to other positions that pay more.

• Present the facts: Bring a list of your accomplishments as proof that your hard work deserves more $$$. And look up industry salary standards before your meeting for extra leverage.

• Be confident: Stay firm on what you’re looking to accomplish. Maybe your current company can’t give you the full $20k but can give you $10k plus negotiated perks—that’s better than nothing.

If they make an offer and you’re still not satisfied? Ask management what you need to do to get to that salary amount. If it seems like more work than you’re willing to put in knowing you can get paid more for less, I think you have your answer.

How to Decide Whether to Stay or Leave Your Job

 question 
How do you decide whether you should stay or leave a job? Would you stay at a job where you like your boss and have flexibility, good pay, and benefits, but dislike the work environment and lack of resources/support from the organization (that won’t change)?—A.

 answer 

A company’s work environment and support systems are pretty important to me, so personally? This is a red flag in my book. But it’s your job, so let’s help you decide.

Make a pros and cons list. I always find it helpful to write down the good and the bad when making a big decision like this (or like whether I should drop $60 for a Furby on eBay).

• Pros: Cool boss, good money, etc.

• Cons: Limited resources, a bummer work environment, etc.

Weigh the options. Once you’ve made your list, determine how much each pro and con mean to you. If a high salary and good boss matter more to you than support, you may decide to stick it out. If the lack of support is keeping you from doing your job efficiently, you’re going to have a hard time staying in your position no matter how good the salary and bennies are.

Read the room. These days it’s not so simple to just pack up and leave a job, especially if your company is doing some things right, like health insurance and a good salary. But I’m a big believer in gut feelings. And if your gut is telling you this job isn’t it, you may want to listen.

Got a Q for me to A? Submit yours here.

Things to Slack your work besties

…after getting a massage on your lunch break.

So you’re telling me I’ve been doing my iced coffee manifestation wrong this whole time? Emilie Leyes, a brain training specialist, says connecting experiences with actions can retrain your brain to infuse meaning into affirmations.

Maybe this is more like “to be freaked.” This website uses AI to find any photo of you that’s ever been posted on the internet, including the 467 photos your freshman year bestie uploaded to an album titled “~~nights we’ll nvr remember && friends we’ll nvr forget~~”

Thanks to Sofar Sounds for expanding my music palate beyond top 40s from the 2000s. These pop-up concerts in surprise locations feature a range of talent and are usually BYOB (love that for us). Shout-out to Barry and the Fountains, Wilhelm Duke, The Phantom Tollbooth, and Allison Leah for the fun show!

That’s it for today! Have the best weekend ever, and I’ll see you back here on Monday to talk about why we all deserve a summertime break.

IDK WHAT DO I KNOW?! LMAO!

—Rod